zurich layover tours

Layover in Zurich: The Best Itineraries from 6 to 24 Hours

What's In This Article?

Do you have a layover in Zurich and want to explore the city ? You might be wondering how to best spend your time so you can visit as many of Zurich’s must-see attractions as possible. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re looking for cultural attractions, outdoor activities, or delicious food and drinks, Zurich offers something for everyone! With its efficient public transport system, Zurich is an ideal city for a stress-free layover.

I’ve been living in Zurich for 5 years and know the city inside and out. I know exactly how you should spend your time, so you can see as much of the city as possible, whether you have a 6 hour layer in Zurich or longer.

In this guide you’ll find:

• How to get from Zurich Airport to the city center
• Where to store your luggage
• Detailed itineraries for 6 hour, 8 hour, 10 hour, 12 hour, and 24 hour layovers in Zurich
• A handy map listing all the spots mentioned in this guide

Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your layover in Switzerland’s largest city. So let’s start exploring!

Getting from the Zurich Airport to the City Center 

Getting from Zurich Airport to the city center is a breeze. The fastest ways to get to the city center is by train. By train, you’ll be at Zürich HB (Main Station) in just 10 minutes.

Direct trains depart from the airport station to Zurich HB almost every 5 minutes. You can check the exact train times on the SBB mobile app or on the departure board at the train station.

To buy your train ticket into the city, you can use an automatic ticket machine. There are automatic ticket machines on the -1 level on the Zurich Airport Shopping Center. The best ticket to buy is from Zurich Airport to Zurich HB 24 hour ticket for 13.60 CHF.

This will allow you to travel to and from the airport and within the city center of Zurich on all trams and trains for 24 hours. Even if your layover is only 6 hours this ticket is the best value for your money.

Where to Store Your Luggage Storage

Carrying around your luggage while exploring the city isn’t ideal. Fortunately, there are many luggage storage options that can help make your layover stress-free.

SBB Storage Lockers (Unattended)

Zurich Airport : Right near the automatic ticket machines on the -1 level of the Airport Shopping Center there are SBB storage lockers. You can access the lockers with an automatic machine.

Zurich HB : There are SBB lockers located on the mezzanine in the train station.

Pricing Table for SBB Lockers (updated July 2023)

Zurich Airport Lockers (Unattended)

On level 1 (top level) of the Airport Shopping Center there are two areas with storage lockers.

Pricing Table for Zurich Airport Lockers (updated July 2023)

What To Do With A Layover in Zurich

There are plenty of things to in Zurich during your layover. From taking in the stunning views of Lake Zurich and exploring the old town, to visiting some of Zurich’s many museums and galleries, there is something for everyone. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll have time to soak up the cities culture and history during your layover in Zurich.

We’ve created a Zurich Layover Map to help guide you through the city.

6 Hour Layover in Zurich

If you have a 6 hour layover then you have about 3 hours to spend in Zurich. Start off at walking up the Banhofstrasse, one of Zurich’s main shopping streets. From here you can make your way up to Lindenhof for breathtaking views of the city.

Once you’ve taken a few pictures and enjoyed the views, take a short walk to Fraumunster Church to admire the Chagall windows. If you’re interested you can go inside the church to see these magnificent stained glass windows up close. Entrance is 5 CHF per adult.

While you’re there you can admire the medieval buildings that surround Musterhof Sqaure. If you need a coffee, there is a great cafe located right on the square called Vi Cafe.

From Munsterhof you can cross over the Munsterbruke Bridge to Grossmünster. There’s another viewing platform here that makes for a great spot to take some pictures. Plus you can also go up the Karlsturm tower to catch some astounding views of Zurich (the entrance fee per adult is 5 CHF).

You’ve already seen some of the top places to visit in Zurich. If you have time you can walk through Zurich’s Old Town towards Sechseläutenplatz. Along the way you can pop into the many shops that line the cobbled streets. Once you reach Sechseläutenplatz, you’re greeted by the famous Zurich Opera House. I love this area! It’s a perfect blend of modern and traditional architecture.

If you’re hungry, we suggest one of two places to eat. Since you’re on a tight timeline, don’t waste any time at a formal restaurant. Instead grab a traditional Swiss bratwurst at Sternen Grill . This place is super popular with locals and you’ll always find a queue on weekends.

If you’d prefer a plant-based meal, then you can go to Tibits Seefeld , which is part of the famous Hiltl chain. Hiltl was the world’s first vegetarian restaurant and they now have several locations across Switzerland. You’ll be treated to a delicious self-service buffet, so you can quickly fuel up and continue exploring.

Next up you can explore the shores of Zurich Lake. Burkliplatz is a great place to snap some photos. If the sky is clear, you’ll have a fantastic view of snow covered Swiss Alps.

To get back to HB you can hop of a number 11 tram that departs from Burkliplatz. From there you can get back to the Zurich Airport.

So there you have it! With just a six-hour layover you can get a taste of Zurich and see some of the top destinations. And your phone will have amazing pictures to remember your layover by!  

8 Hour Layover in Zurich

If you have an 8 hour layover in Zurich you have even more time to tick a few of Zurich’s top things to do off your list.

Follow the six hour itinerary but instead of heading directly to the Sechseläutenplatz, you can add in Polyterrasse and the Polybahn into your itinerary. The Polybahn is a little red funicular that take you from Central to Polyterrasse.

Polystrasse is right in front of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), one of Zurich’s oldest universities. Here you’ll have amazing views of Zurich’s Old Town. The red polybahn funicular may be small, but it works hard! It transports nearly 2 million passengers a year! The trip only takes 11 seconds and it seats just 50 people. You won’t need to worry about buying a ticket, the cost is included in the 24 ticket you bought to get into Zurich from the airport.

You can also visit the Landesmuseum located right behind Zurich HB. This museum offers a unique glimpse at Swiss history and culture. Here you can explore nearly four centuries worth of art, history, and artifacts.

After your 8 hours in Zurich you’ll have experienced some of its most famous attractions and enjoyed some stunning scenery. Enjoy your flight!

10 hour layover in Zurich

If you’re lucky enough to have a 10 hour layover in Zurich, why not add an e-bike tour into your itinerary? An e-bike tour is a great way to see the city while getting some exercise in between flights.

You’ll be able to stop off at all of Zurich’s main attractions from the medieval charm of Zurich’s Old Town, to the more modern City West. Plus, you’ll be able to take plenty of pictures along the way!

Your e-bike tour will also take you past small shops and cafes where you can sample some local cuisine. Make sure you bring your camera with you so that you don’t miss any stunning scenery or moments worth capturing. E-bike tours are a great way to explore Zurich in a short amount of time and they are a fun way to break up your flight layover!

12 hour Layover in Zurich

If you have a 12 hour layover in Zurich, you’ll have enough time to explore Uetliberg . This is Zurich’s “mountain” that stands at 871 meter above sea level. While it’s not a large mountain by any means, it’s still a great spot to get a unique view of Zurich. We suggest doing this first and it’s a bit of an excursion and you won’t get stressed for time if you spend a little longer there than planned.

To get to Uetliberg from Zurich HB, simply take the S10 express train to terminal station Uetliberg mountain. At the automatic ticket machine on the platform, make sure you purchase an extension for travel in both directions. The train takes 27 minutes to reach Uetliberg.

When you arrive, you can walk to the summit of the Uetliberg on foot. Here you’re treated to stunning views of Zurich and the Swiss Alps that surround the city. You could easily spend 2 to 3 hours here exploring everything Uetliberg has to offer. With so much beauty to see, it’s an ideal way to make the most of your layover in Zurich.

In the afternoon try the 6 hour itinerary, but keep an eye on your watch to make sure you have enough time at Zurich airport.

24 Hour Layover in Zurich

If you have a 24 hour layover in Zurich, why not make the most of it and explore some of Switzerland’s beautiful landscape? There are several day tours available from Zurich that will take you to stunning places like Mount Titlis or Grindelwald and Interlaken.

The Mount Titlis Day Tour is a great way to experience some of Switzerland’s majestic mountains. This tour will take you to Mount Titlis, the highest mountain in central Switzerland and the home of some truly breathtaking views. You’ll also have time to explore the area, so make sure you bring your camera!

A “Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken” is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore some of Switzerland’s beautiful countryside. This tour will take you to Grindelwald, where you can experience its stunning views of snow-capped mountains and emerald green valleys. You’ll also have time to explore Interlaken and the surrounding area for a truly memorable day trip.

So if you’re looking to make the most of your 24 hour layover in Zurich, why not explore one of the many day tours available. You’re sure to have a truly unforgettable experience!

Practical Things to Know About Zurich

When visiting Zurich during a layover, there are a few practical things to know. To begin with, the local currency is the Swiss Franc and shops and restaurants do not accept Euros. You can use your credit card to make payments so don’t worry about getting Swiss Francs just for your layover.

Additionally, the official language of Zurich is Swiss German, but most people speak English so you will get along fine without knowledge of the local language.

Zurich Airport Layover Rules

You can leave Zurich airport during your layover if you have a valid visa for the Schengen Area. Depending on your passport, you might be able to enter Switzerland visa free. Usually the border security officer will just ask you why you’re coming to Switzerland. In this case just tell them you’re exploring the city during a layover. If in doubt, speak with your consulate or embassy about visa rules and requirements for Switzerland.

We hope you enjoy your layover in Zurich! If you’re travelling with family, you might like our post on best things to do in Zurich with kids .

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Explore Zurich in a 6-hour Layover or in 1 Day

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If you have a 6+ hour layover at Zürich airport and find yourself heading for an airline lounge or looking for a comfy seat to park yourself, you are heading in the wrong direction. Six hours is more than enough to comfortably get a taste of Switzerland’s largest city, Zürich.

Zürich is well known for its world-class galleries and museums as well as for dining, atmospheric cafés, boutiques, beer gardens, and chocolatiers. You can’t experience all of this in a lay-over but if you follow my footsteps, you will not regret leaving the airport. And, getting out to the city is a sure jet lag buster.

Getting from Zurich Airport to the City

After exiting the aircraft, follow the signs to Baggage Claim and Exit. Once you will go through passport control and customs, follow the signs for “Train”. Zurich’s main train station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof Or Zurich HB, is only a 10-minute ride from the airport making a short Zurich day trip possible. You have an option to buy a ticket to Zurich HB or buy an all-day pass from one of the blue ticket machines. The day pass is for zone 10, which includes the entire city of Zürich and zone 21, which covers the way to the airport. It is valid for all trains, trams, buses, and boats within these two zones. With the all-day pass, you can hop on the Limmat riverboat along the river near the train station and get a different view of Zurich.

Since my layover started very early in the morning, and I only had a little less than 6 hours, I didn’t take boat rides in the river. But the bonus was that I got to see the early morning sun from the top of Lindenhof – more on that later – and I had all of the city to myself.

Check out our Photo Gallery of Zurich Day Trip

Zurich Day Trip

Let’s start with our Zurich tour. After an easy 10-minute train ride from the airport, you will arrive at the Zurich HB, an architecturally beautiful station. You will see trains leaving for all major Swiss cities from here.

Remember to exit the station towards the right side – follow the signs to Bahnhofstrasse. Right at the exit, you will see this statue fountain – if you spot it, you exited in the right direction.

Walking straight from there takes you on to Bahnhofstrasse. No cars are allowed on this pedestrianized boulevard. It has trams running in the middle and extra-wide sidewalks on each side. Trees surround the street and provide shade for shoppers in the high-end boutique stores located throughout the boulevard. The long curvy Bahnhofstrasse follows the ancient course of the western city wall and happens to be one of Europe’s most expensive shopping streets, dotted with jewelers and designer boutiques.

Continue walking on Bahnhofstrasse for 5-7 minutes to the Rennweg which branches off in the left. That is if you walked non-stop, which is impossible with all the window shopping possibilities from the boutiques displaying designer goodies. As you look down Rennweg, you will see the iconic clock tower further away. Go to the end of the street where it starts to branch out into three other streets. At this junction, you will see stairs leading up to Lindenhof on the left.

Before heading up the stairs, turn right on Widdergasse to check out Augustinergasse with its romantic oriel-windowed houses. It’s a very colorful street and the windows reminded me of Malta where this structure is all too common. Walk the tiny Münzplatz and perhaps step into the beautiful and simple Augustinerkirche dating from 1274.

Now backtrack to the Rennweg and climb this short flight of stairs up the hill. You will be on Lindenhof, the oldest part of Zürich and site of a 2nd-century Roman tax collection post. It was very quiet when I arrived the early on Saturday morning. Almost no one was there except a couple of early riser tourists trying to capture a view of Zurich rooftop against the rising sun.

I heard the wide-open space gets busy during the day with mostly tourists and some old-timers hanging out in the shade of numerous trees scattered around. As you walk around, you get a great panorama over the rooftops and a view of the river with its many bridges and the iconic church as the backdrop. You will also see the Hedwig Fountain commemorating the 1291 defense of the town by the women of Zürich against Germany.

After taking pictures from Lindenhof to your heart’s desire, descend steeply via Pfalzgasse, and find yourself into a dense network of cobbled lanes, shops, and cafes.

You can get easily get lost in this western part of the old town with its many boutiques and cafes. The graceful spires both of St Peter’s, featuring the largest clock face in Europe, and the Fraumünster, a medieval church will play hide and seek with you appearing and disappearing as you walk through the cobbled picturesque alleyways. If you get a chance to go inside Fraumünster you will be spellbound with breathtaking stained glass by Marc Chagall.

Make your way through these alleyways to the Zurich Storchen, a ferry terminal in the middle of Zurich. From the ferry terminal, you get some amazing views of the old town. There are many small cafes and restaurants if you want to have a bite sitting on the riverbank while soaking in the views. Here you will also see two of Zurich’s main landmarks, the famous Fraumünster Church and Grossmünster, an iconic twin-towered Roman cathedral from 1200s.

From here, it is time to start making your way back to the train station. If you didn’t eat at the restaurants along the river, you can head to Sprungli, for a late breakfast or lunch; and shop for chocolate. From Sprungli, it’s about 5 mins walk back to Zurich HB.

Map of the Zurich Walking Tour

More Ideas for City Tour of Zurich

If you have more time here are a couple of ideas for you to add to the itinerary, which I didn’t get a chance to explore:

• Head to the Landesmuseum station for a one-hour cruise on the Limmatschifffahrt in one of the flatboats built to pass below the seven bridges that cross the river.
• Make time to spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits, artifacts and the armory tower at the National Museum. The museum is right next to the Zurich main station. Keep it at the end of your itinerary so you can easily walk to the station for your train back to the Airport.

Photo Gallery of Zurich Layover Day Trip

Share with us what unique places did you encounter in your perfect one day in Zurich!

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12 comments.

madhu sharma December 14, 2019 @ 1:50 am

Wow Zurich looks awesome.thanks for sharing

Bliss Eatts December 15, 2019 @ 4:26 am

I’ve never been to Zurich, it looks like it would be a great city to visit.

judy February 19, 2020 @ 3:27 pm

i have a 12 hour layover in zurich next week. thanks for your suggestions

kelly June 6, 2020 @ 10:32 am

This is so much better than sitting in an airport for 6 hours. It must have been nice to have the city to yourself with no crowds. So peaceful and the perfect way to spend your time before your next flight.

Renata June 6, 2020 @ 11:22 am

Excellent post! Since the airport is so close and you can get downtown so quickly, it would be a shame not to explore Zurich on a layover.

Kendra June 6, 2020 @ 5:36 pm

Loved your photos! I went to Zurich nearly 20 years ago and don’t remember much, so this was a wonderful chance to revisit the city. When I was there, there were these neat benches around town to sit on, all wood cutouts shaped like different things–I think one was painted like a few men from a soccer team. Very cute! Love Zurich!

Sandy N Vyjay June 6, 2020 @ 7:52 pm

Reading about Zurich and looking at the pictures brought back pleasant memories of the city and Switzerland. Had spent a month on an assignment near Zurich a couple of years back. Really loved walking around the city, look at the river, and the ducks that swam in it gracefully. I have many memories associated with Zurich. It is so nice to know that it is possible to get a feel of Zurich during a 6-hour layover.

Freya June 8, 2020 @ 4:54 pm

This is so helpful Jyoti. I love that you give clear directions of how to get to the city centre from the airport and which walking route to take once you arrive. Zurich looks so pretty!

Jackie June 10, 2020 @ 12:19 pm

I’ve always wondered how to best make use of a longer layover without worrying about getting waylaid… With this turn-by-turn walking tour in hand, I wouldn’t hesitate to explore Zurich while waiting for a connection. Plus, I would love the chance to see the historic and scenic landmarks you described—especially the Augustinergasse windows and ancient Lindenhof. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

Kathleen June 10, 2020 @ 12:58 pm

So much to see. What a quaint city. I would love to explore Zurich before it wakes up. That breakfast looks amazing, although I’m afraid the famous Swiss chocolate would be calling my name the whole time I was exploring. Visiting the city is a much better option than sitting in the airport for 6 hours. So great that it’s so close.

NOBLETRANSFER July 6, 2020 @ 6:14 am

Its a great info. Thanks for sharing

Nobletransfer August 10, 2020 @ 5:14 am

Even though the city is small, there’s a lot to do, and you can easily spend a couple of days in Zurich. Thanks for sharing this amazing info

Layover in Zürich – the ultimate guide 2024

Zurich Airport is a great airport for a layover. If you're on a short stop over and don't want to go into the city, the airport's first class facilities are more than enough to keep you occupied for a few hours. If you're on a long layover then the better–than–excellent public transport services which operate like clockwork between the airport and Zurich center will provide you with a stress-free way of getting to see Switzerland's largest city.

Using the efficient tram, bus or train services is the key to making the most of your Zurich Airport layover no matter how long it is. The best and quickest by far is the train which departs from the station below the Airport Center. There are more than a dozen services per hour running to Zurich Hauptbahnhof Station in the center and they take about ten minutes to travel between the two points.

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6 hour layover in Zurich

On a short layover in Zurich of six hours you will have time to stow your bags in a luggage storage facility and catch the train into the city. You'll have a couple of hours to explore the area around Hauptbahnhof Station which is in the historic Old Town and close to the confluence of the city's two rivers. If you're wanting to buy gifts for friends and didn't find what you wanted in the airport's duty free, you're guaranteed to find something in the huge mall called ShopVille that is part of the station concourse.

• If you don't want to risk going into the city on your layover you can still do a bit of sightseeing by catching the Glattalbahn. It's a tram service running from outside of the Airport Center to the Glatt Valley to the north of Zurich. The round trip takes around an hour and you'll get to see some of Switzerland's stunning scenery.
• Train, tram and bus tickets can be purchased from ticket machines located in the arrival zones of Terminals 1 and 2 or from the SBB Travel Center which is located in Check-in area 3.

8 hour layover in Zurich

Finding things to do to make an eight-hour layover in Zurich interesting won't be hard. If you're in need of some exercise and a bit of an adrenaline thrill, grab a cab and go to the Seilpark Zurich. You can let off steam there in the rope park, let arrows fly in the archery section, or just putter around the mini golf course until it's time to head back to the airport for your Zurich connection. If you'd rather do something cultural, you'll have time to go into the center for a self-guided walking tour of the Old Town and down to Lake Zurich.

• There are official downloadable maps of easy to moderate walking tours of the Old Town. The walks take just under two hours and you won't need to over exert yourself as you'll have more than enough time to sit down for a lunch or coffee.
• If you want to learn about what you're seeing, go on a two hour walking tour with a guide. There are several free tours available and all you need to do is tip the guide when it’s finished.

10 hour layover in Zurich

One place that will be on any football fan's list of places to visit on a Zurich layover will be the FIFA World Football Museum. The interactive museum is dedicated to soccer and has three floors of exhibits. If you're not into soccer or are on a layover with kids, try the WOW Museum. It's all about light shows, illusions and artful trickery, so is entertaining as well as educational. If you want to see Lake Zurich, head down to the Burkliplatz Square where you can take a wander along the promenade.

• There's a market three times a week in the Burkliplatz Square. It's busy, so avoid the days it's on if you want peace and quiet.
• Catch the lake ferry from the dock on Burkliplatz Square. It's a regular sailing that goes from Zurich to Thalwil on the other side of the lake and takes just under an hour.

12 hour layover in Zurich

When you have twelve hours on your layover in Zurich you can plan on seeing a little more of this amazing Swiss city. Take a ride on the Polybahn, a funicular railway which takes you up to a super view point from where you'll get fantastic photos. Switzerland is famous for its chocolate so don't miss out on tasting it and learning about one of its more well-known brands by visiting the Lindt Museum which is a workshop and exhibition center.

• A visit to the Lindt Museum on your layover will save you buying chocolate gifts for your friends as they give away lots of free samples.
• If you enjoy the macabre and want to boast about going to the world's weirdest museum, visit the Moulagen which exhibits nothing more than wax replicas of diseased body parts. Fascinating. Don’t forget to leave your bags behind at a Zürich luggage locker before visiting this intriguing museum.

24 hour layover in Zurich

Get up early on the morning of your Zurich layover and join a tour heading for the alps. These magnificent mountains form a scenic backdrop to the city and are covered in snow even in the summertime. The best mountain tour to aim for is one going to Mount Pilatus as you'll get to ride on the world's steepest railway, a cable car, and get a cruise across Lake Lucerne too. It's a great way to spend your layover day and basically three things for the price of one.

• Take a trip to Bernese Oberland where you can have a two and a half hour skiing lesson at the Grindelwald resort. It's for complete novices but by the end of it you'll be able to say you skied down a piste in the Alps, even if it was only a slope for beginners.
• Go to the Sternen Grill to try their famous grilled sausage with extra hot mustard. It's a place frequented by the famous so you never know who you'll get to take a selfie with on your Zurich layover.

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Your Layover Guide to Zurich (ZRH)

Our "Your Layover Guide" series feature airports and destinations around the world where you're likely to be stuck between flights, offering tips on navigating and spending time in the airport, as well as some things to do if you find yourself with time to explore the nearby city. TPG Contributor Katie Hammel guides us through Zurich (also known as Kloten) Airport.

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland's largest international airport and the main hub of SWISS Airlines. Like Switzerland itself, ZRH is generally pleasant, clean, efficient and well-organized. In 2015, it was ranked among the world's 10 best airports — and one of the 10 best transit airports — by the World Airport Awards .

There are three terminals, labeled A, B and E, servicing corresponding gates A, B/D and E, which are all linked to a post-security Airside Center that serves as a hub of shops, restaurants and bars. There's also a pre-security Airport Center shopping area and parking garage. Transferring here is a quick and truly stress-free affair with no more than 30 minutes needed to travel the well-marked route from Terminal A or B to Terminal E, and just a few minutes needed to travel between A and B. If given the choice between, say, a two-hour layover in the labyrinth that is Paris-CDG or a 45-minute one in Zurich, you'll end up far less pessimistic about the state of the world if you choose Zurich.

Terminal A serves flights within the Schengen Area ; Terminal B is separated to control the flow of both Schengen and non-Schengen passengers (and has gates labeled both B and D, depending on which side from which you access them); and Terminal E, which is connected to the Airside Center via underground tram, serves only non-Schengen international flights.

At the Airport

Special Features

When it comes to services, Zurich is the Swiss Army knife of airports; it's prepared for any emergency . In addition to the standard travel agencies, banks and ATMs, there are dental and medical offices and an eye clinic, an emergency passport office and an on-site vet. You're even covered if you accidentally scheduled your layover on your kid's birthday, as you can book a child's birthday party (with advance notice) complete with a guided airport tour, cake and photos.

Zurich Airport is also an aviation geek's dream with two observation decks open to passengers. Observation Deck B (next to Check-in 2) has informational displays and multimedia binoculars — called Airportscopes — with information on points of interest around the airport. It's open from 8am to 8pm in summer (9am to 6pm in winter) and admission is 5 CHF (about $5). Observation Deck E is open only in summer and is accessible via a free shuttle bus from Deck B.

Bus tours of behind-the-scenes areas like the hangars and maintenance spaces are also available. The 75-minute tour costs 8 CHF (about $8) and is offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

If you'd rather while away your time in a manner more expected in an airport — that is, sleeping or drinking — head to one of several lounges . In the Airside Center there's a Dnata Skyview Lounge and ASPIRE Lounge, along with a SWISS Business Lounge, SWISS First Lounge and a SWISS Senator Lounge. Terminal E has an Emirates Lounge and Panorama Lounge and there's a SWISS Senator/Business Lounge in the Non-Schengen Service Zone in Terminal B . There are also kids' play areas in Terminals A and E, and 18 smoking lounges throughout the passenger area.

For those who need some shut-eye, there's a Transit Hotel in Terminal B/D, offering rooms available for short-term use. Single, double and multi-bed rooms are available, along with a semi-private rest area with reclining chairs and locker storage. Prices range from 45 CHF (about $50) for three hours in the rest area to 79 CHF (about $82) for six hours in a private double room. Shower and bathroom access as well as free Wi-Fi are included. Given that Wi-Fi throughout the airport is only free for the first 60 minutes (with additional time available for purchase) it's a worthy investment if you need a quiet place to do some work, but don't have lounge access. Shower facilities in the Transit Hotel are available to non-guests for 15 CHF (about $16) and include towels, toiletries and use of hair dryers.

Even without lounge access, the Zurich airport is not a terrible place to spend some time. There's ample seating (with no armrests, so you can stretch out) and plenty of power outlets built into the benches. Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference.

Luggage Storage

Lockers and left luggage services are available in the Airport Center, next to the Service Center in Car Park 2 (Level 1). Left luggage is available from 6am to 10:30pm with prices ranging from 5 to 12 CHF (about $5-12) per day depending on the item and length of time (max storage length is three months). Locker prices range from 9 to 12 CHF (about $9-12) per 24 hours, with a max of 72 hours. Lockers are available 24 hours a day, and are payable with Swiss or euro coins.

Switzerland is a center of banking and finance and, predictably, the Zurich airport caters to the upper class. If you're looking to drop some cash, you have your choice of high-end shops such as Bulgari, Bally, Gucci, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Swarovski, Tiffany and Co. and Mont Blanc. If you want to pick up the ultimate Swiss souvenir, there are plenty of watch shops to choose from: Türler Uhren & Juwelen sells watches from such brands as Breitling, Chopard and TAG Heuer; OMEGA, a Swiss luxury watch producer; SWATCH, which also offers some more affordable options; and IWC Schaffhausen Boutique .

For a cheaper memory of your brief time in Switzerland, head to the Spirit of Switzerland, the Lindt chocolate boutique, Sprüngli Swiss confectionery or the Edelweiss Shop. If your travels are taking you on outdoor adventures, look no farther than Mammut , a Swiss supplier of alpine equipment. And if you need something to read for your next flight, head to the k kiosk bookseller.

There are nearly 20 dining options on the passenger side of the airport, ranging from sit-down restaurants with a view of the Alps to quick takeaways with coffee and pastry.

If you're craving something quick and familiar (no judgement), airside dining options include a Burger King and Starbucks. But you're better off heading to Marché , which offers self-service seasonal cuisine (try the rösti, the Swiss version of a large potato pancake ), fresh-baked breads, focaccia, sandwiches, coffee and freshly pressed juices. For more Swiss delights, try the beer, pretzels and sausages from Bier-Bière-Birra-Biera Bar in Terminal A. Or go international in Terminal E at The Deli , which offers an eclectic array of salads, pastas and mains.

Travel to the City Center

Zurich Airport's location — just 8 miles from the city — means it's easy to take a jaunt into town on your layover. And, true to stereotypes, the efficiency and punctuality of the frequently running trains means you don't have to worry about getting back to the city on time. It takes just 15 minutes to reach the Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main train station) from the airport, and trains run 10 times per hour.

Tickets can be purchased from machines in customs halls 1 and 2 or from the SBB travel center located below the Airport Center in the Check-in 3 area. If you plan to visit any museums or attractions in the city, it's worth investing in a ZurichCARD , which includes free transit for 24 or 72 hours plus admission to many city museums. The 24-hour pass is 24 CHF (about $25). Between admission to the Kunsthaus museum (22 CHF / about $23) and round-trip transport from the airport (around 13 CHF / $14), the card pays for itself.

If You Have Half a Day

With a few hours in Zurich, you can explore the city center at a leisurely pace. Wander down the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most expensive shopping streets, and dream of life as Swiss banker — or stick to the end closer to the train station for shops that fit a more modest budget. Explore the cobbled streets and alleyways of the medieval Alstadt (or Old Town), and if it's a nice day, head to the Landesmuseum station for a one-hour cruise on the Limmatschifffahrt in one of the flat boats built to pass below the seven bridges that cross the river. Keep an eye out for the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, the most recognizable structures on Zurich's skyline.

Zurich is home to more the 50 museums , including the famous Kunsthaus; the Swiss National Museum ; and the Kunsthall , a gallery and museum located in the former Löwenbräu brewery. For a taste of modern Zurich, head to Viadukt , a shopping area in the formerly run-down Zurich West that was built into an old railway station along the river. There's a markethall and dozens of shops and restaurants and there are frequent special events such as concerts.

If You Have a Full Day

With more time, get out and explore the nature that surrounds the city. No gear? No problem. Zürich Airport rents bikes, helmets and inline skates for kids and adults in a variety of sizes, as well as Nordic walking poles. Prices range from 10- 20 CHF for four hours, and up to 35 CHF (about $36) for a full day. For a mini adventure not far from town, take a train up the 2,800-foot Uetliberg mountain, which is easily accessed from the city and offers some of the best views of Zurich. You can take a cable car, hike or mountain bike back down.

Rhine Falls, continental Europe's biggest waterfall, is an accessible day trip , as well; tour operators will even pick you up from the airport for the 30-minute drive. If you'd rather explore another Swiss city, Lucerne, Basel and Bern are all about one hour from Zurich by train.

If You Have the Night

Switzerland is an expensive country to visit, and even its more basic hotels come at a high price. One of the lowest-cost options is also the closest: the airport's Transit Hotel offers the same basic rooms for overnight use as it does during the day at a slightly higher price (94 CHF or $98 for a single room). With 24-hour room service, two restaurants and a bar, a fitness room, and free Wi-Fi, the airport-adjacent Radisson Blu is a more comfortable option. Rates start at 167 CHF (about $174) or 70,000 Club Carlson points per night.

Less than five minutes' drive from the airport, the Hilton Zurich Airport offers bike rentals, a gym, sauna, steam bath and a lobby bar and restaurant with views of arriving planes. Rates start at 199 CHF ($207) or 40,000 HHonors points per night.

If you'd rather stay in the city (and with it so accessible by train, why not?), the Zurich Marriott Hotel is a great choice close to the train station. For 270 CHF ($281) or 40,000 Marriott Rewards points per night, rooms include pillow-top mattresses, in-room coffee and tea facilities and a mini bar. There's also a 24-hour fitness center, two restaurants and a lounge. The five-star Park Hyatt Zurich , a short walk from the Bahnhofstrasse, offers free Wi-Fi, a spa and fitness center, five dining and drinking options, and rooms with Italian linens, Nespresso machines and floor-to ceiling windows. Rates start at 578 CHF ($601) or 30,000 Gold Passport points per night.

8 Tips on how to make the most of a Zurich layover

by Anne Betts | Jan 12, 2024 | Switzerland | 6 comments

Updated January 12, 2024

Zurich may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it’s one of the best layover destinations. These eight tips on how to make the most of a Zurich layover will help you leave the airport and experience some of what the city has to offer. 

Table of Contents

The airport is very close to the city centre

Leaving the airport, 1. familiarize yourself with an area to explore , 2. stroll along bahnhofstrasse, 3. explore side streets, 4. join the free walking tour, 5. plan your own self-guided walking tour, 6. take a boat cruise, (i) cheese fondue at swiss chuchi, (ii) sausages at zeughauskeller, the verdict.

Rated eighth among the world’s top airports in 2023 , the Zurich Airport is a short distance from the city centre.

Zurich is a refreshing contrast to transportation hubs where the airport is a considerable distance from the city. Zurich’s central station, the Hauptbahnhof, is a short 10-minute ride by train from the airport. Depending on the time of day, trains may leave as frequently as every 10 minutes, with the schedule as dependable as a Swiss watch.

Or the Line 10 tram service takes 35 minutes.

How long is your layover? These tips work best if you have five hours or more between connecting flights. Where you’re travelling from and where you’re heading next will influence these time frames, and if you need to store luggage before leaving the airport.   

• The airport is compact, with short distances and moving walkways connecting the three terminals. 
• If you need to store luggage , lockers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, located next to the service centre on Level 1 in Car Park 2. SBB lockers are at Check-in 3 in the Airport Shopping area.
• Switzerland is not a member state of the European Union, so may need to collect Swiss Francs (CHF). There are ATMs in the shopping concourse on the way to the station. Chances are you won’t need any cash if you use credit cards.
• English speakers have it easy in Switzerland. English is widely spoken, and locals are more than happy to assist. In addition, Switzerland is one of the world’s safest countries, ranking #10 on the 2023 Global Peace Index .
• The airport train station (Bahnhof Zürich Flughafen) is below the airport. Just follow the signs. The journey to the Zürich Hauptbahnhof (HB) takes 10 minutes.
• Zurich’s public transportation system is very efficient and easy to navigate.
•  One option for getting around by public transportation is to buy a Zürich Card , with 24- or 72-hour passes. A 24-hour pass costs CHF 29 (USD 33 / GBP 26) and includes free and discounted access to many museums and attractions. It also includes unlimited travel by tram, bus, train, boat, and cableway in the city and surrounding region. A 72-hour pass costs CHF 56 (USD 64 / GBP 51). These are 2024 prices.
• A single ticket from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof costs CHF 6.80. Also, there are 24-hour passes available, good for unlimited travel on public transportation. Passes are handy for exploring places you might not visit otherwise. Costs are zone-based. Depending on how many zones you choose, the pass could pay for itself with a return trip to and from the airport. Passes are available via the ZVV app, ticket machines in the concourse at the airport, online, or at sales outlets. A downloadable map outlines the various zones.

Here are some recommendations to consider. All are within easy walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof.

I enjoyed exploring a rectangular-shaped area that takes in the Altstadt (‘Old Town’). The Hauptbahnhof is at one end, and Lake Zurich at the other. Bahnhofstrasse is on one long side, and the Altstadt is on the other. Running down the centre of the Altstadt is the River Limmat. Several bridges offer convenient access to both sides. To give you a rough idea of distances, Bahnhofstrasse from the Hauptbahnhof to Lake Zürich is only 1.4 km (just short of a mile).

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s main downtown thoroughfare and one of the most famous luxury shopping streets in Europe. It’s lined with upscale fashion stores, restaurants, banks, investment firms, and souvenir shops. If you don’t have deep pockets, window shopping can be enjoyable.

From the Hauptbahnhof, it’s a short 20-minute walk down to the end of Bahnhofstrasse at Bürkliplatz, at the edge of Lake Zurich.

If you can spare the time, explore some of the side streets off Bahnhofstrasse. Augustinergasse is about halfway down on the left. The narrow street dates to medieval times, and the houses have well preserved, colourful facades.

If the timing of your layover allows you to take the free Downtown Zürich Tour , it’s well worth the time. It’s offered every day at 11:00. The meeting point is next to Credit Suisse at Paradeplatz along the Bahnhofstrasse. It takes 1.5 hours and covers interesting points within the Altstadt. Our guide did a superb job. In fact, he passed around chocolates for a poll on which chocolates were better: Swiss or Belgian. There’s no need to register; just show up.

Zurich is one of the world’s best walking cities. If necessary, insert a couple of tram rides to help manage time constraints.

Here are two resources to help you plan your own self-guided walking tour:

• Walking in the Rain – A Zürich Walking Tour
• Zürich Self-Guided Walking Tour

The free walking tour included many of the places described in these three references. Here are some of the spots we passed on the free walking tour. The photos reflect an overcast day in March.

Grossmünster Church, with its twin neo-Gothic towers, dominates the eastern bank of the River Limmat. It’s possible to climb to the top for arresting views of the city.

Zurich must be one of the cleanest cities in the world. Water from the city’s innumerable fountains is clean enough to drink.

Lindenhof was once the site of a Roman customs post back in the first century BC. Today, it’s an open green space under the shade of linden trees with lovely views overlooking the Limmat River below.

On September 19, 1946, Winston Churchill gave his globally acclaimed speech from the University of Zürich. It outlined his vision of a post-war European union that would restore peace and security to a battle-torn continent. Unthinkable at the time was his suggestion of reconciliation between France and Germany. It was a union he indicated would form the basis of a united Europe. Churchill closed his plea with ‘Let Europe Arise!’ now etched in stone on a commemorative plaque in Münsterhof Square.

There are several cruises to consider.

The Lake Zürich Navigation Company operates cruise boats on the River Limmat and Lake Zurich. The Zurich Card covers some of the cruises; some are discounted with the 24-hour transit pass. 

The Short Round Trip on Lake Zurich leaves from Bürkliplatz . It takes 90 minutes.

The River Limmat cruise starts from the National Museum.

For a very short ten-minute boat ride, the Bürkliplatz-Wollishofen and Bürkliplatz-Zürichhorn routes are are included in any public transportation ticket covering Zone 110.

7. Ride the little red funicular

The Polybahn is an old funicular train that takes just 100 seconds to travel from the Limmatquai Bahnhof up to Zurich University and the Polyterrasse overlooking the Old Town and Lake Zurich.

The service started in 1889. Convenient for students and tourists alike, it carries up to two million passengers each year. The little red funicular runs every two to five minutes and is free with the Zurich Card.

8. Enjoy traditional Swiss food

I was able to squeeze in two meals during my layover.

On the clichéd side but having cheese fondue in Zurich felt like the thing to do. The fondue is woven into the country’s social fabric. For generations, people created cheese fondue during the colder months by blending the two key staples of cheese and bread. Today, it’s at the heart of social gatherings, accompanied by conversation and white wine pairings.

On the walking tour, I met another solo traveller who was game to share a cheese fondue. We asked our guide for recommendations and he was quick to suggest Swiss Chuchi. I’m glad we went; it was an excellent choice. The Traditionelles Waadtländer Fondue , made with four kinds of cheese, white wine, cherry liquor, and garlic, was delectable.

Attached to the Adler Hotel in the back streets of the Altstadt, Swiss Chuchi is at Rosengasse 10. The nearest tram stop is Rudolf-Brun-Brücke.

For me, sausages are comfort food. After spotting the menu posted outside Zeughauskeller, I couldn’t resist.

Housed in a former Swiss armoury, Zeughauskeller is now a cavernous beer hall with an extensive menu of traditional and seasonal favourites. Naturally, I went for the sausages. There are over a dozen sausage dishes to choose from, including a sausage sampler comprising six different varieties. It comes with potato salad and onion sauce.

Zeughauskeller is in the Old Town, just across from Paradeplatz. Expect to be seated with others during busy periods. Old military embellishments decorate the walls, adding to the historical ambience of the place. You’ll find it at Bahnhofstrasse 28. The nearest tram stop is Paradeplatz. 

In most cities, a short layover of six or eight hours would see me playing it safe and hanging out at the airport. The proximity of the Zürich Airport to the city centre and the dependability of the train service make it possible to safely leave the airport and venture into the city. 

Zurich is a major European hub for travellers with connections on multi-segment flights. If you’re a miles-and-points enthusiast and your preferred program is with one of the Star Alliance partners, you’re bound to pass through Zurich at some point. SWISS is a reputable airline within the Star Alliance, offering plenty of options for a Zurich layover.

The suggestions above are but a small sample of what’s possible on a Zürich layover.

If you found this post useful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. Have you enjoyed a Zurich layover? If so, did you venture into the city centre? Please add your suggestions in the comments. Thank you.

Care to pin for later?

I had a 12h layover in Zurich on the way to Singapore; arriving at 6am and spent the entire day wandering Zurich. It was Christmas time, so the Christmas market was a fantastic experience!

The showers at the airport were very welcome before boarding another long flight!

Thank you, Matthew, for dropping by. I imagine you accomplished quite a lot in those 12 hours. It must have been magical at that time of year with all the decorations. Cheers.

Thank you for this post! I have an upcoming 4 hour layover. Do you think it’s enough time to explore?

It feels tight, and influenced by your next flight and how much time the airline recommends you allow for passing through security (and perhaps passport control if you leave the airport) and being at the gate. Also, not all arrivals and departures are adjacent to the terminal and connected by an air bridge; I seem to recall that one of my arrivals involved being transported to the terminal by bus. Business class passengers had priority and reached the terminal faster than many passengers in economy class. Another factor is that some airports seem to have trouble dealing with the challenges of post-pandemic travel that translates into delays for travellers. I suggest looking into how ZRH is coping. Good luck with your research and decision-making.

We will have a 12 hr layover in Zurich but we don’t land until 10:20pm…Will there be things open at that hour and does the train operate that late?

There’s a link in this post showing timetables from the airport (Flughafen) to the main railway station (Hauptbahnhof or HBF). https://ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/usys/ias/plant-nutrition-dam/documents/IPW9/IPW9_Directions.pdf Hope this helps.

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Zurich Layover Guide (ZRH)

What are you looking for in ZRH? Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main international airport in Switzerland that has non-stop flights to destinations all over the world. It is located on 13km (8 mi) from central Zurich. The airport has had international flights since 1947. Zurich is a global city, the economic epicenter of Switzerland and one of the largest financial centers of Europe.

Can you leave Zurich Airport (ZRH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa? It's possible for travelers to visit Zurich during a layover but in some cases a visa will be required. ( more info ).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Switzerland Organized Tours

Mount Titlis Day Tour from Zurich

This is the chance to enjoy a spectacular winter tour from Zurich over the Albis Pass and along Lake Lucerne’s beautiful shores. Take a quick but memorable tour of the city of Lucerne and their most intriguing landmarks. The next stop is Engelberg where you get to take a cable car up the alpine glaciers of Mount Titlis as you take in the one of a kind landscapes of eternal snow and glaciers. The panorama restaurant at the summit of Mount Titlis offers great food and views. There are many activities for adventure seekers in including skiing and using an inner tube. » book this tour

Zürich: 4-Hour City Tour by Ferry, Cable Car and Coach

Take an exciting city tour of Zürich’s Old Town and surrounding the city where landmarks like the Fraumünster Church, Bahnhofstrasse, the Limmatquai, and the Guild Houses that symbolise Zurich can be found. The almost banana-shaped Lake Zurich is framed on the southern side by the Albis and Zimmerberg hills and on the north by the Pfannenstiel chain of hills. The best way to discover the Lake Zurich area is by taking a boat trip and crossing with a ferry gives you an authentic experience of Zurich. Next is the aerial cable car ride to Felsenegg that provides unrivaled views over the lake and the snow-covered Alps. » book this tour

From Zurich: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Don’t miss the stunning views of the triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as you ride up the mountain to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring this area of snowlidden mountains in Jungfraujoch is a momentous journey through an ice wonderland which offers great views with the entire scenery of the Alps. Immersing yourself in the trip makes it all the more worthwhile and memorable visit. » book this tour

Switzerland Things to do / Sightseeing

Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)

The Kunsthaus Zurich is an art museum in the Swiss city of Zürich. It has one of the most prized art collections in the whole of Switzerland, assembled over a period of time by the local art association named Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft. The collection includes ones from the Middle Ages to modern-day art, laying emphasis on Swiss art.

Time required: 2 to 3 hours.

Airport to here: It takes an average of 10 minutes to get here by taxi or close to 25 minutes by train.

Fraumünster

Often mistranslated to Church of Our Lady, the name of the protestant Fraumünster actually means Women’s Church, referring to the founding of an abbey here in 853 for aristocratic women of Europe by Emperor Ludwig for his daughter, Hildegard. Until the High Middle Ages, the head of the convent was also governor of the national city. Although the church itself is worth seeing, what makes it one of Zürich’s most popular tourist attractions is the beautiful set of five stained-glass windows in the chancel created by Marc Chagall in 1970. From left to right, the vividly colored windows show Elijah’s ascent to heaven, Jacob, scenes of Christ’s life, an angel trumpeting the end of the world, and Moses. The church is full of such beautiful art.

Time required: One may need an hour or more.

Airport to here: It takes 15 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes by train to get here.

FIFA World Football Museum

This magnificent Museum tells how the world’s football governing body has built football globally and made it the number one sport in the world indisputably. The association has certainly united countries and linked continents. As a place all fans must visit, this museum holds football’s ultimate prize. Mixed with attractions and thought-provoking exhibitions, the FIFA World Football Museum explicitly shows the impact football has had on fans and the world at large.

Time required: You will need about an hour to take in the beauty of football and its impact to our world.

Airport to here: It takes 15 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes by train to get here.

Zoo Zürich is Switzerland’s largest and most frequently visited cultural and educational institution. This is a wonderful way to enjoy yourself or better still in the company of your partner as you appreciate the beauty of nature. Who knows! You may become a friend to the lovely creatures here. The motive behind this zoo is to encourage people to play an active role in nature conservation and the protection of species.

Airport to here: It will take 15 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by train line 6 tram.

Confiserie Sprüngli (A Confectioner’s Café)

One look at the stacks of temptations in the window, and you’ll be drawn inside to at least feast your eyes on the displayed fresh truffles, bonbons, cakes, and their signature macarons, called Luxemburgerli. The retail shop is on the street, while the upstairs café-salon serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon desserts in genteel surroundings. Sprüngli House was opened in 1856, and today, the confectioner’s café on Paradeplatz is a favorite stop for locals and tourists.

Time required: About an 1 or 2.

Airport to here: it may take 15 minutes by taxi to get here or 30 minutes by train.

Zurich Opera House

Located at the Sechseläutenplatz, it has been the home of the Zurich Opera since 1891 and also houses the Bernhard-Theater Zürich. It is also home to the Zurich Ballet. Then again, Zurich Opera House is the home of the International Opera Studio (in German: Internationales Opernstudio IOS) which is an educational program for young singers and pianists. You may learn a thing or two right here!

Airport to here: It takes 15 minutes to get here by taxi or 20 minutes by train.

Uetilberg is accessible all year round, but it’s recommended in the spring when the mountain flowers begin to blossom. From this mountain,you can take in panoramic views of the city, Lake Zurich and the not too distant Alps. Now that’s too good an opportunity to miss.

Time required: Full day.

Airport to here: Using the line 10 train, it takes 50 minutes. On average, it takes 30 minutes for taxi.

Zurich’s Chinese Garden Park

Gifted to the city in 1993 by its Chinese partner town Kunming, Zurich’s Chinese Garden is dedicated to the “three winter friends” of pine, bamboo and winter cherry. Sitting pride of place next to Lake Zurich, the Garden is considered one of the best Chinese Gardens outside of China itself.

Airport to here: It takes 15 minutes to get here by taxi or 30 minutes by train.

Swiss National Museum

The Swiss National Museum holds the country’s best collection of artifacts that date to the very start of civilisation to the present day. It’s the most visited museum in the country for a good reason and shouldn’t be missed out on.

Time required: 3 to 4 hours.

Airport to here: It takes 10 minutes by taxi to get here or 15 minutes by train.

Things to Do in Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Relaxing and sleeping.

Airport Lounges and Relaxing The airport has many lounges in each terminal. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping There are many hotels close to the airport and one transit hotel. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport Resting areas are found in Transit Area D

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available at the airport for 2 hours. Connect to the “ZurichAirport” network.

SIM Card: There are several shops within the airport that sell SIM cards. » buy a global sim card for Switzerland, Zurich that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The airport taxi ranks are situated in front of Arrival Halls 1 and 2.

Train: There’s a train service run by Swizz Federal Railways ( more info ).

Bus: There are local and regional buses that operate from the airport's terminal which connects all over Switzerland. ( more info ).

Shuttle: The airport has special bus services.

Car rentals: Car rentals are available and can be booked online. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: There is parking available and it is possible to book a parking space in advance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are left luggage storage rooms and lockers available. » book a luggage storage or locker at Zurich Airport (ZRH) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Zurich Airport (ZRH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks

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What to Do on a Layover in Zurich

So, you’ve got a few hours to spare in Zurich and can’t stand the thought of people-watching in the airport lounge? The city’s airport is only a 10-minute train ride from the city centre, giving you ample time to explore Switzerland’s largest city.

1. if you have three hours….

Historical Landmark

Many of Zurich’s main attractions are within walking distance of one another, so three hours is plenty of time. Start off your whistle-stop tour with a stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s and Switzerland’s premier shopping street that’s packed with designer brands. After your window-shopping urges are sated, and if you have time to spare, continue to the historic old town and explore the Grossmünster and Fraumünster, the city’s twin churches that are separated by the historic Münsterbrüke bridge.

2. If you have five hours…

3. If you have seven hours…

Bar, Market, Restaurant, Beer, European, Swiss

4. If you have 12 hours…

Natural Feature

You’ll be able to explore most of Zurich’s main sites in the city centre and beyond. If you’re the nature-loving type, why not use the time to take a trip up the Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain. In spring, the mountain is particularly beautiful when the wildflowers are in bloom. At the top, you’ll have a wonderful panoramic of the city, Lake Zurich and stretching to the Alps beyond. Back in Zurich, you can also indulge your taste buds with a trip to one of the city’s best Swiss restaurants to try some traditional dishes such as fondue or Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, a local speciality.

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A comprehensive guide to planning a 9 hour layover in Zurich

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If you are planning on flying Swiss Air, then why not consider including a layover in Zurich. It is an incredible city to explore, with great transport links, and let’s not forget about the chocolate.

We have created this guide because we recently had a 9 hour layover in Zurich. After a 9 hour transatlantic flight we were pretty jet lagged and as we wearily trudged around, we kept wishing we had done more research on the city. For us though, a 9 hour layover in Zurich was the final stop on a  trip around the USA . We had done so much research for the USA and barely any research for Zurich, something which we regret in hindsight. So, we wanted to put a guide together for anyone else like us has left the research part to the last minute on their Zurich Layover.

Layover in Zurich – Airport Guide

Layover in zurich – leaving the airport, zurich layover factsheet, zurich layover – getting from the airport to the centre, about zurich, getting around during your zurich layover, how much money do i need for a 9 hour layover in zurich, what currency do i need for my zurich layover, things to do on a stopover in zurich.

• Should I plan a layover in Zurich?

Zurich airport sleeping guide

Zurich layover guide- a recap.

Zurich Airport is the main hub for Swiss Air and is also the largest international airport in Switzerland. Chances are, if you have booked a Swiss Air flight you will be at least transiting through the airport. For instance, we booked a flight from Manchester to Chicago with Swiss Air. So, we boarded a flight in Manchester to Zurich and then later Zurich to Chicago.

Our return trip was from Toronto, and even though we booked through Swiss Air we ended up on an Air Canada flight to Zurich due to the fact that these two airlines have a codeshare agreement. Then we flew Swiss Air from Zurich back to Manchester.

There are two main terminals in the airport and the one that you end up at will depend on where you are going/coming from and what airline you have flown. Most people with a layover in Zurich will probably be flying Swiss Air.

If you have a layover in Zurich and you are wondering whether or not to leave the airport here are some things to consider:

Do I need a visa for my layover in Zurich?

Most short term trips to Switzerland do not require a visa. Dave and I flew in on an Irish and British passport respectively and were able to walk into the country with no hassle. You will need to check though if you are travelling on a different passport as to what the rules are.

How long do I have for my layover in Zurich?

Obviously if you only have a short stopover then there really is no point leaving the airport. We had a 9 hour layover in Zurich which provided us with ample time to clear passport control, get a train to the city centre, explore, return to the airport, and clear security for our flight back. You need to be back in the airport at least 1.5 – 2hours before your flight (possibly 3 hours if you are flying outside of Europe).

Do I have to collect my bags?

If you have the option make sure you check your bags all the way to your final destination. That way you don’t have to carry them around the airport/ city with you. The good news is that if you do have to collect your bags and want to explore the city centre then there is a luggage storage facility that you can pay for in the airport.

What time and day of the week is it?

If you only have a short layover in Zurich then before deciding to leave the airport you should think about what time it is and the day of the week. We arrived in Zurich at 6am, and by around 7.30/8am we were walking around the centre. The only problem was it was Sunday and nothing opened until about 9 or 10 am. We were absolutely freezing and exhausted from our flight and honestly would have preferred to have stayed at the airport until things opened.

Here is some important information you should know to help you plan your layover in Zurich.

Currency:  Swiss Franc

Languages:  German, French, Italian and Romansh

Country:  Switzerland

Famous For:  Chocolate, Cheese, Watches, Banking (it’s one of the financial capitals of the world)

Zurich is a great place to visit if you like efficient city breaks that combine nature, and city life. It’s such a safe and clean city making it perfect for a layover. Zurich is actually the largest city in Switzerland but not the capital. That title belongs to Bern. Another cool fact is that you will probably not go thirsty in Zurich. The city has over 1200 water fountains. And speaking of large numbers Zurich is also home to over 100 banks, and just to clarify that is individual banks not branches.

Getting from Zurich Airport to the centre is actually really easy. We recommend getting the train as they are cheap and fast. Trains run every 5-10 minutes from the airport to the city centre all day between 5am and 12.30am. The train ride is only 10 minutes which is actually something we were quite surprised about. Tickets can be purchased at the station so no need to worry about booking in advance.

Tickets cost just under 7 Francs, although I should mention this is for a 2nd class ticket. We didn’t realise when we bought our tickets and sat down in 1st class. We were very politely directed to the 2nd class carriages. That being said, 2nd class in Switzerland is actually really comfortable and clean, and in comparison to some of the trains we have here in England it was like sitting in luxury anyway.

Other alternative ways to get into the centre include taxi or shuttle bus. Keep in mind these options will be more expensive than the train.

Despite Bern being the capital of Switzerland, Zurich is actually the largest city in the country. Referred to as the economic capital of Switzerland, Zurich has topped a number of ‘best places to live’ lists over the last few years. The city population is over 400,000. The weather is quite mild in the city ranging from around -2 to 7 degrees celsius in the winter, and around 18 to 28 degrees in the summer. If your layover in Zurich is during the winter months, do wrap up warm and bring a good winter coat and scarf. Also, no matter what time of year you visit bring some good walking shoes.

Zurich is a really easy city to get around and if you only have a short stopover in Zurich, then exploring on foot is probably your best bet. We found very little need to use public transport once in the centre and walked everywhere during our layover. If you are going further afield or would prefer to catch public transport then that is no problem, as there are a number of buses and trams that snake their way through the city.

So you might be wondering how much money you will need for your 9 hour layover in Switzerland? The honest answer is well it depends on what you plan to do. I know that isn’t the most helpful of answers, so let’s try and break it down a bit.

First of all we should mention that Switzerland is expensive. The Franc is pretty strong currency and in comparison to your own, you aren’t getting much bang for your buck. The cost of living in Switzerland is also pretty high so do keep that in mind.

Before deciding how much money you will need for your 9 hour layover in Zurich here are some things to consider.

Cost of a cup of coffee: 4.50 Francs (average)

Bottle of water: 3.00 Francs (average)

Basically a cup of coffee in Switzerland is equivalent to around £3.50, US$4.50, €4. Please bear in mind this is only a rough guide but it might help you plan how much money you need. You will need money for transport to and from the airport, food and drink, souvenirs, and any tourist attractions that you intend to visit. Credit Cards are generally accepted although this is mostly Mastercard and Visa.

Do make sure you have some Swiss Francs with you before you arrive. There are a number of currency exchange places in the airport, but they often have hefty fees and often don’t have great exchange rates. We always take a bit of cash with us (enough for a taxi, coffee, etc) and then withdraw more cash with a pre-paid travel card.

In Switzerland the currency you will need is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It’s divided into 100 Rappen (Rp). Francs are made up of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 Swiss franc notes, and coins come in 5, 10, 20 and 50 Rappen, and 1, 2 and 5 francs. Most places in Zurich do accept card payments, although we always like to have a bit of cash on us just in case.

Ok admittedly 9 hours isn’t a huge amount of time to explore Zurich. Especially when you factor in getting to and from the airport, as well as getting through passport control and security. But the good news is, experiencing a bit of Zurich is totally doable. Here are some of the things we got up to during our 9 hour layover in Zurich.

Enjoy the cafes

Let’s face it jetlag is the worst, and the best way to start your layover in Zurich is to chow down on some croissants and sip coffee. There are some really beautiful cafes in Zurich but our favourite has to be Cafe Schober. It is so cosy inside and is pretty much perfect for people watching on a lazy Sunday morning.

Eat all the chocolate

If you didn’t eat tons of chocolate were you even in Switzerland? Sprungli is a great place to sit down and indulge. As well as chocolate they also do some pretty tasty macaroons. If you plan to visit during your stopover in Zurich it might be worth booking ahead. We ended up waiting around 30 minutes for a table but it really was worth it.

If you love designer stores then Bahnhoffstrasse is the place to go. You could easily spend a bit of time here shopping or in our case window shopping.

Kunsthaus Zürich (Museum of Fine Arts)

This is one of Europe’s best art museums, and it is run by the Zurich Society of Arts. It has a large collection of works by several artists including Munch and Monet. If you are an art lover this a must visit place on your Zurich layover.

Visit Lindenhof

This was by far one of our favourite parts of Zurich and an absolute must see. From here you get some fairytale views over Zurich so it is the perfect place to take photos. You can also play a giant game of chess here too which is pretty amazing.

Take a walk by Lake Zurich

As we had flown into Zurich after spending a lot of time exploring the big concrete jungle type cities of the USA, a walk around Lake Zurich was actually really refreshing. It is a lot more active in the summer, but in the winter you get to enjoy the peace and serenity.

Climb the Grossmunster

Zurich has some pretty impressive architecture and one of the stand out buildings has to be the Grossmunster or Grand Church. Identifiable by its twin spires, legend has it that this church was built on the graves of Zurich’s patron saints Felix and Regula. You can climb up one of the towers for a small fee and be rewarded with some impressive views.

Should I plan a layover in Zurich ?

Honestly yes, it is basically the perfect place to spend a layover. It’s safe, and clean, and really easy to get around. Plus a lot of the key tourist attractions or beauty spots are in the Old Town, which means you can spend a few hours walking around and taking it all in. Admittedly we are itching to get back to Zurich, and beyond, but we are so pleased we had the chance to explore even if it was only for a short time.

If jetlag is getting the better of you then Zurich Airport has a  transit hotel so that you can get some shut eye. We ended up getting a couple hours sleep before our flight home as we were just that tired. But in hindsight it would have been better to have a couple hours sleep and then head out into Zurich. It is a bit confusing finding the hotel and it is only accessible airside but believe us it is so worth it.

You can book a rooms for either a minimum of 3 hours, 3 – 6 hours, or more than 6 hours. You also get a choice of a double or single room and you can use the showers. Just be sure to arrange a wake up call so that you don’t sleep through your flight.

Hopefully this guide has helped you plan your layover in Zurich, and unlike us you won’t be walking around wondering what to do. And if all else fails just walk around and eat some Swiss chocolate. Don’t forget to pin this Zurich layover guide for later!

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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I went to Switzerland for work n had a quick tour of Lucerne but missed Zurich.thanks for sharing the information..probably next time would cover it

Lucerne is incredible, I would love to go back. Zurich is also worth a visit so do hope you get to visit. x

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Private City Tour for a Long Layover at Zurich Airport

• 28 de September de 2023
• Sem categoria

Are you a globetrotter with a long layover at Zurich Airport? Make the most of your wait time by exploring the picturesque Zurich Old Town on our City Walk Tour. Our service is tailor-made for travelers who want to venture beyond the airport’s confines, soak in the local culture, and make the most of their extended layover.

Zürich Airport

If you’re considering an escape from Zurich Airport during a layover, we highly encourage it!

Zurich Airport is the largest international airport in Switzerland and the principal hub of Swiss International Air Lines. As a major European hub for travelers with connections on multi-segment flights, Zurich is one of the best airports for a layover.

As long as you have at least 5 hours, you can spend your layover enjoying Zurich’s fresh air. Most of Zurich’s top attractions are conveniently located close to each other, making two hours more than sufficient to explore them.

The airport is just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, allowing you ample time to explore Switzerland’s largest city with a city walk tour.

Exploring Zurich with Convenience and Comfort

When you book our City Walk Tour, you won’t need to worry about logistics or transportation. We’ll pick you up directly from Zurich Airport and safely return you in time for your connecting flight. This seamless transfer is included in our service, ensuring you can relax and enjoy your layover without stress.

A Guided Adventure Through Zurich’s Old Town

Once you’re in Zurich, our local guide will take you on a captivating journey through the heart of the city. You’ll traverse winding cobblestone streets, pass by centuries-old buildings, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Town. The tour typically spans 2 to 3 hours, providing you with a comprehensive yet manageable exploration of Zurich’s key attractions.

Can I go outside the airport during a connecting flight?

Yes, you can leave the airport on domestic flights in a layover and you don’t need to present any documents. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that if you have a brief layover, you should manage your time well to ensure you don’t miss your connecting flight. Remember that you’ll need to pass through security screening once more before boarding your plane.

Do I need a visa for layover in Zurich?

Switzerland Airport Transit Visa Requirements: if you need to land at a Swiss airport in order to wait in the international area of the airport for a connecting flight that will take you to your non-Schengen destination country, you will need to apply for a Switzerland Airport Transit Visa.

A Memorable Layover Experience

Our City Walk Tour is designed to ensure that your layover becomes an enriching and unforgettable experience. So, don’t spend hours at the airport waiting for your next flight. Instead, step out into Zurich’s charming Old Town, guided by local experts, and create beautiful memories during your layover in Switzerland.

Make the most of your Zurich layover and book our City Walk Tour now. Experience the magic of Zurich, even with limited time.

Prices – 1 to 4 Persons

2-Hour Zurich City Tour with Transfer: 600 Swiss Francs. 3-Hour Zurich City Tour with Transfer: 700 Swiss Francs. 4-Hour Zurich City Tour with Transfer: 800 Swiss Francs.

Inquire about reservations by contacting us at info(at)swissxplorer.com

Full Day Tours

If you plan to extend your stay in Zurich or Lucerne and are interested in a longer tour, either for half a day or a full day, we also offer customized tours that cover the mountains, lakes, Alpine villages, and the Swiss Alps. Please explore our list of excursions by clicking here.

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Home » Europe » Switzerland » Zurich Walking Tour: How to Explore the City on Your Own

Zurich Walking Tour: How to Explore the City on Your Own

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: November 18, 2023

Zurich may well be one of the world’s greatest walking cities. It has a flat central district with broad strolling lanes, and pedestrian-only bridges over the Limmat River make for a perfect opportunity to do a self-guided Zurich walking tour. And because the city is so accessible to the airport, visitors can see a lot of the city even a modest Zurich layover.

For reasons I can’t explain, this may well be one of my favorite cities in Europe. Zurich just feels so right to me. It’s a blend of cosmopolitan and international with a small city and provincial life. As a result of all the international companies (banking and pharmaceutical), it attracts people from all of the world. It’s a city filled with constant festivals and street markets. And it’s just beautiful.

I’ve been here seven or eight times and love it more each time. However, with the exception of my very first trip, it has poured rain each and every time I’ve visited. If you’re in Zurich with good weather, congratulations! If not, get yourself an umbrella and get out there anyway. Despite the weather, it is still a great city!

Baggage Check

What do you do with your luggage on a Zurich layover? If you’re on a codeshare or connecting flight, your checked luggage will go straight through. If you aren’t on a codeshare flight, you may need to pick up your luggage.

If you want to dump off bags (either checked or carryon), proceed to the Luggage Service Center located within the Car Park 2 (it’s on Level 1). They have 3 different size of lockers to stowage and it’s open 24×7. You should expect to pay 10 CHF/Euros for hand luggage and carryons and 20 CHF/Euros for large suitcases. Note: Lockers ONLY accept coins (credit cards are not possible).

How to Get Into Zurich from the Airport

You have three options to get into town on your Zurich layover: taxi, train and tram. The taxi will set you back about CHF 60-70 (or, about $60) one way.

The train and tram are about equally priced. The train is one of those efficient double-decker commuter trains. It gets the job done but goes through a number of tunnels. Tram #10 follows streets and puts you at eye-level with the city. You’ll go through the modern business district, past the zoo, through the universities and end up right at the main train station.

We’ve done both the train and the tram. Despite taking a little longer, the tram lets you experience more of the city. Whichever way you go, you’ll need a ZVV ticket . The airport is in a different zone from the city center, so you’ll need a 2-zone ticket. We recommend getting an 24-hour ticket for the tram, which allows you unlimited access to all public transit, and costs CHF 14.60. There is a handy kiosk with English prompts right at the tram stand.

Self-Guided Zurich Walking Tour

The city center is very compact and most of the places to see in Zurich are right in the center along both sides of the Limmat River. Nearly every guidebook will contain some manner of a Zurich walking tour similar to the one below (including the free Zurich Guide obtained at the tourist information kiosk).

We’ve made a number of adaptations and specific turn-by-turn directions in this self-guided walking tour. Depending on how fast you walk, how many cafes you stop at and how much money you want to spend shopping in the luxury stores, this walking tour should take you about three hours.

Start your Zurich walking tour at the Hauptbahnhof – the main train station. Most city walking tours start outside the station, but actually neglect the station itself. The main train station, the Hauptbahnhof, is actually one of the busiest train stations in the world. Over 2,000 trains connect through the station daily and provide quick connections to Austria, France , Germany , and Liechtenstein .

On the main level, there’s a farmers market, which has food stalls where you can fill up for a good, cheap meal. I availed myself of the stall selling Tibetan food. The stands change every so often, but you’ll find Chinese, French crepes, Indian, and even a made-to-order salad stand..

Leaving the Hauptbahnhof station, follow the signs for Bahnhofstrasse. This pedestrian and tram-only street is Zurich’s main boulevard. Built in 1864, the 1.4km (less than a mile) street is also one of the most exclusive shopping districts in the world. The stores get nicer the closer you get to the lake. If you’re looking for designer fashions in Switzerland, this is your spot!

Walk about 3 blocks down Bahnhofstrasse and make a left on Rennweg Street. This is the iconic photo of Zurich you see in all the guide books. A holdover from the Middle Ages, this is what Zurich once looked like before modernization took hold.

These days, the street is lined with craft shops, souvenir stores and cafes. Consider stopping at one of the cafes for your morning coffee.

Before reaching the end of Rennweg Street, make a left on Fortuna-Gasse. Your objective is at the top of the hill and make a right, climbing the stairs into the Lindenhof Park.

On the left side of the park, you’ll have beautiful views of the city from the scenic overlook. Beyond the views, this little plot of land is actually historic. Here, the Zurich canton swore allegiance to the Swiss Federation in 1798 and beneath the ground are the ruins of both Celtic and Roman settlements dating back to over 1500 BC.

After enjoying the views or perhaps playing a game of chess, resume your walking tour by exiting out of Lidenhof Park the opposite way you came in (on your left). This will drop you out onto Strehl-Gasse. You’ll follow Strehlgasse down the hill until you reach the church.

The St. Peter Kirche (or St. Peter’s Church ) is a working church for the local parishioners. While tourists flock to other churches in Zurich, St. Peter’s still keeps the feel of a local church. What St. Peter’s has is the largest church clock in Europe. You’ll be able to tell the time all over the city because of the clock on the steeple.

Leaving the church square, take a left onto Weggen-Gasse, which will drop you out onto Strehl-Gasse, where you will make a right. This will turn into Storchengasse and you’ll pass by a number of luxury shops. If you’re inclined to drop big money, you might consider spending some time in the Valentino store. At the end of the street, you’ll find a large square, Munsterhof.

The large church in front of you is the Fraumunster . The church was founded as a Benedictine Abbey in 853. The church is best known for its glass windows by Marc Chagall. You’ll get a better view of the church later on this walking tour.

Continue your walking tour by making a right on Post-Strasse, which is immediately opposite the entrance to the church. At the end of the street is Paradeplatz. Before the completion of the train station, this unremarkable square was Zurich’s transit hub, and the largest stagecoach hub in Europe.

The horses are long gone and these days, locals congregate here waiting to catch trams out to other parts of the city. However, visitors should not miss the Confis erie Sprungli chocolate shop on the corner. Swiss chocolate seems like a cliché, but the café at Sprungli makes a great rest spot.

Make a left and continue walking down Bahnhofstrasse to the lake. The lake is city’s heart and soul. The cool breezes of the lake moderate the temperatures in the city. If the weather is good, you should definitely consider a boat trip. Boat trips on Lake Zurich last between 90 minutes and two hours, and are available several times a day. The weather hasn’t cooperated for me, so I’ve never had the chance to do the boat trip.

Turn to your left, cross over the Quaibrucke bridge to the other side. As you walk across the bridge, stay on the lake side, enjoying the mountain views. Once across the bridge, cross the street and double back onto the bridge to enjoy views of the city and the marina.

At the first street, Utoquai, make a left and follow the street north as it turns into Limmatquai, the main street on this side of the river. At the first bridge, Munsterbrucke, walk out onto the bridge and you can take pictures of the Fraumunster church and the heart of Zurich. This site of the Fraumunster church is more photogenic than the side by the square.

Continue across the bridge (so you’re back on the original side where you started) to Wuhre, the small pedestrian lane running right up the river. Walk up the river and you’ll have a beautiful view of the Grossmunster church with its twin neo-Gothic tours. The church itself dates from the 1220 and was built in the Romanesque style.

At the far end of the Wuhre pedestrian lane, make a right and cross the Rathaus Bridge. On the right, jutting out into the river is the Rathaus, or old city hall. Built in 1698 in the Renaissance/Baroque style, this city hall bears witness to the city’s influence over the years.

If you want to visit inside the Grossmunster church, make a right and head up the steps. If you are skipping the inside of the church, continue straight up the narrow lane called Marktgasse.

The complexion of the city changes once you get one block away from the river. This narrow pedestrian-only street is filled with stores and restaurants. Make a right walking a block or two soaking up the ambiance before doubling back and walking in the other direction.

As you walk along the street, its name will change several times: Marktgasse, then Stussihofstatt, before ultimately becoming Niederdorf-strasse. This is where Zurich comes to eat, hit the bars or meet up with friends. If you’re doing this walking tour on a Zurich layover, consider eating here before heading back to the airport.

Working your way up Niederdorfstrasse, you’ll cross a main street called Muhlegasse. The rest of Niederdorf gets a little cheesy. There are a couple made-for-tourist fondue places, a Chinese restaurant and even a strip club.

At the far end of Niederdorfstrasse, make a left, cross the street and you’ll be on the Bahnhof-Brucke. You’ve just made a complete loop on your Zurich walking tour.

If you’re doing this walking tour on a Zurich layover, you can cross the bridge and go back to the train station. Or, if you took Tram 10 from the airport, you can pick it up on this side of the river too (at the Central tram stop immediately in front of the Starbucks).

Long Zurich Layovers

If you have long overnight layover, we suggest staying at one of the many Zurich airport hotels (check current prices here) , but spending as much of your day in the city as possible. Start with this Zurich walking tour and then find a museum to visit or take a cruise on the lake.

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Friday 20th of March 2020

Hi. You wrote that of the 7 or 8 times you've been to Zurich, it was raining except for just one time. Is Zurich rainy all year? What months has least rainfall outside of summer season? Thanks in advance.

Lance Longwell

Saturday 21st of March 2020

To be honest, I have absolutely no idea. To me, it seems like there is always rain in Zurich. I've seen lots of people go and have beautiful weather. Laura's sister went last May and had amazing weather. I guess it's just my bad luck.

Thursday 13th of February 2020

I will be in Zurich for just over half a day and am really looking forward to this trip. This blog is awesome. Can you tell me how long this walk should take? I am not a fast walker and stop frequently to take photographs. I have about 4-5 hours and I am hoping I will be able to make this with some time to spare at cafes and perhaps some shops.

We tend to be pretty slow as well because stop and take lots of pictures for this blog. I'd say the walk itself could be done in about 2 1/2 hours. It probably took us about 4 hours or so with all of the stops. Please note, you wouldn't have time to do a cruise on the lake with that amount of time. Instead, just focus on the walk. Hope you enjoy!

Wednesday 4th of September 2019

This guide was very helpful. We really enjoyed getting to know the city. I had printed a compact version of the google street map so it made the whole thing pretty easy. We even found the Tibetan food vendor in the train station and enjoyed the momo dumplings. I told the Tibetan lady how we found her and she photographed my printed tour sheets. (the tour says the markets are on the main level but it is actually down the escalators from where you catch the trains; that was a little confusing). We were there in August and the weather was delightful. We took the boat ride on the lake the following day ( 1 1/2 hour for about $8USD) and then circled back to some of the places that were our favorites from the tour.

So glad this was helpful! Sounds like you had a little better weather for your Zurich tour than we did!

Saturday 24th of August 2019

This is a very helpful guide, indeed ! May I ask you for one thing ? Can you add here a google link showing the walking paths you outlined in your article above ? The names are somewhat confusing to me. Thanks !

Friday 30th of August 2019

At some point, we'll try to add some sort of walking tour of Zurich map.

shirley ternes

Wednesday 11th of July 2018

traveling to Zurich in September. This wass very helpful. Thanks

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True luxury lies in the small, hidden details that make your Experience unforgettable. We take pride in providing a truly exceptional tour, from the delight of discovery to the peace of mind that comes with knowing your tour was carefully curated to your specific desires. We understand that leaving room for delightful  surprises is important, so we expertly blend our insider knowledge with your individual wishes to create a journey perfectly tailored to you .

WHY CHOOSE US?

Locally Owned and Operated A Zurich-based female-owned company  deeply rooted in local culture yet with int ernational flair. We highly prioritize flexibility on our tours, as well as maintaining discretion.

Global Insight, Local Heart  Our team's eclectic passions and interests create a powerful fusion of global wisdom, Swissness, and authentic connections to local destinations. We share our stories in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese & Russian.   

Personalized Excellence Embark on a Swiss Tour of a lifetime, where our dynamic hosts go above and beyond to tailor each tour to your unique interests and wishes. Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, and experience an unforgettable Swiss Adventure.

Diverse Expertise, United Commitment Our team, with backgrounds in tourism, diplomacy, management, and more, is united by a shared commitment to delivering unparalleled service and memorable Swiss Tours.

Growing Together As a business rooted in the local Swiss community, we are committed to investing in the talent and creativity of our team and local partners. We strive to expand our offers for our guests continuously. 

Customer Satisfaction Priority 

We take pride in exceeding your expectations. Our commitment to guest's satisfaction is reflected in every aspect of our service, ensuring your journey with us is not just any trip but a delightfully enriching experience.

OUR BESTSELLER TOURS

Private Walking Tour of Zurich

Layover Tour in Zurich

Experience in Zurich

Meet the Founder, Samantha

☞ your local experience designer & guide - travel companion - friend, dear traveler, welcome to what promises to be a truly memorable holiday i am samantha, and i'll be your personal contact throughout your journey in zurich & beyond. i'm here to ensure you have an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. with my insider knowledge, i'll curate your tours based on your preferences, interests, and wishes, ensuring that every moment is perfectly tailored to you. so, what makes me good at what we do well, it's simple – i am passionate about travel, sharing my knowledge, cracking a joke or two, making new friends, and dedicated to providing exceptional service. i'm thrilled at the opportunity to show you zurich and switzerland in an entertaining, knowledgeable, and unique way, and i can't wait to meet you. keep exploring, and i look forward to hearing from you soon. warmly,  samantha samantha founder, host & friend in zurich.

LATEST STORIES

Your Personal Guide to Zurich & Switzerland

Zurich's Celtic Past

HERstories - Women History in Zurich - Volume 2

HERstories - Women History in Zurich - Volume 1

Our Ecstatic Travelers Tell it All

We had a phenomenal experience with Samantha. We all had arrived from a full day of meetings after a transatlantic flight, and I was slightly low energy and unsure if booking this team building experience tour had been a good idea. Enter Samantha with her incredible energy, joy, knowledge and humor. Within minutes, we were all energized and thoroughly enjoyed this unique and fun Experience. Samantha was incredibly accommodating to our needs as I changed the meeting spot on her several times and is such a good communicator. I would highly recommend spending a couple of hours with her to learn more about the beautiful town of Zurich

Ulrike K., United States

Rumor  has it !

@ THE ZURICH INSIDER

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Uetliberg – Zurich’s Very Own Mountain

• Zurich’s home mountain
• Excursion destination for young and old
• Best view over Zurich
• Walking and biking trails
• Toboggan run in winter

Free Ride with the Zürich Card

• 24 or 72 hours
• Public transportation included
• Free admission to museums
• Over 50 discounts

At 2,850 feet above sea level, Uetliberg towers over the rooftops of Zürich. The mountain affords an impressive panoramic view of the city, the lake and the Alps. The Uetliberg is particularly popular in November, as its summit is often above the blanket of fog that can cover the city at this time of year. In the winter, the hiking trails to the summit are converted into sledding runs. In summer, there’s plenty to discover on well-marked hiking routes, a mountain bike route, and on the Planet Trail . This two-hour walk from Uetliberg to Felsenegg (Adliswil) takes you on a fascinating tour through a model of our solar system.

Opening Hours

Open on these days.

In the Vicinity

Tobogganing on the Uetliberg

Planet Trail

Hillz Restaurant

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70 Minute Layover In Zürich….Geneva To Prague - Switzerland Forum

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